Effective microbiological services are a key requirement of quality in pathology.They can be provided by a range of healthcare providers in a wide variety of settings and it is therefore essential that patients needs are considered. Samples should be taken as locally as possible, with ease of access and in a timely manner to ensure early decision making regarding patient diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. (July 2012)

1. NHS
NHS Improvement
Diagnostics
National Pathology Programme
NHS Improvement Guide
[ why, what and how ]
Service improvement in microbiology:
CANCER
DIAGNOSTICS
HEART
LUNG
STROKE
Clinical excellence in partnership with process excellence”
“

3. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[contents]
#0
1. Foreword: Dr Ian Barnes and Dr Peter Cowling 5 8. A3 thinking 35
Case study: A3 thinking - telephone calls - Chesterfield
2. Executive summary 6
9. Mapping the value stream 37
3. Introduction 8 Value stream mapping
Why Lean as the improvement methodology of choice Process sequence charts
NHS Change Model Spaghetti mapping
4. Sites 10 10. Demand and capacity 41
Do we have sufficient capacity to meet the demand?
5. Leadership for Improvement 11 Case study: Flexible working to match capacity to demand - Leicester
What is required of leaders? Case study: Establishing a standard protocol for high volume tests
Communication that is shared with all users in their environment
Staff engagement reduces inappropriate testing - Whiston
Case study: Managing the Lean journey - Leicester Case study: Reducing inappropriate demand for MRSA testing -
Case study: Stop to fix - immediate leadership action - Nottingham Northampton
Case study: Creating an environment for improvement - Nottingham
Case study: Huddles - stop to fix - Scunthorpe 11. Waste 47
Case study: Engagement for successful change - Scunthorpe Recognising and eliminating waste
Case study: Reducing the waste of walking to specimen reception - Derby
6. Voice of the customer 24 Case study: Reducing overproduction at the GU bench - Kettering
What do patients and users want from microbiology? Case study: Skill mix changes - Kettering
Engaging users to improve the service Case study: Skill mix changes for booking in - Leicester
Case study: From laboratory to ward: engaging users as part of a Case study: Improving sample filing - Leicester
laboratory improvement project - Whipps Cross Case study: Removing over processing in X,V and XV factor
Case study: User engagement - ‘poducation’ - Whiston application - Leicester
Case study: GP engagement when introducing a new urine
collection system - Whiston 12. Root cause analysis 54
Techniques to determine the true cause of a problem
7. Understanding where you are 32
What to measure and how to collect data 13. Future state 55
• Baseline and ‘go see’ Principles of process redesign
• Data requirements Case study: Involving staff in laboratory redesign - Chesterfield
3

4. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
14. Flow and pull 58 19. Workcell design 85
Case study: Small batch sizes improve specimen flow and reduce the
time taken to report negative UF100 results - Sherwood Forest 20. Key enablers to specimen flow 86
Case study: Automation to reduce resources and turnaround time - Pre pre-analytical
Northampton Pre-analytical - sample receipt and registration
Case study: Small batch working in the urine process - Leicester Sample processing
Case study: Reducing over processing in specimen reception - Derby Reporting
Case study: Improving the flow of urines processing - Nottingham All areas
Case study: Achieving flow of work in HVS microscopy - Northampton Case study: First in first out handling of chlamydia samples - Leicester
Case study: Removing a checking step to reduce turnaround time -
15. Takt 68 Nottingham
What it is and how it can be used to level the workload Case study: Reducing ‘split’- samples - Kettering
Case study: Relocating a task to balance workloads - Northampton Case study: Accurate recording of sample receipt - Sherwood Forest
Case study: Moving sample registration into real time - Leicester
21. NHS Improvement contact details 95
16. 5S 71
Using 5S to improve safety and morale 22. Websites and useful reading 96
Case study: 5S in category 3 room saves time - Kettering
Case study: Stock control in chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing – Leicester
17. Visual management 76
Case study: Visual management supporting improvement in
microbiology - Kettering
18. Standard work 80
The best way to perform each process
Case study: Visual aids for standard work - Scunthorpe
Case study: An approach to agreeing standard work in respiratory
PCR - Leicester
4

5. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[foreword]
#1
Pathology services lie at the heart of healthcare services. The vision for the NHS The robust approach to improvement undertaken can be demonstrated in all eight
pathology services puts patients first by providing services which are: descriptors of the new NHS Change model launched by the NHS Commissioning
Board, and the DH Pathology Programme is very pleased to support the work of
• clinically excellent; NHS Improvement to demonstrate how these improvements can be achieved
• responsive to users; using Lean methodology.
• cost effective; and
• integrated. We commend this guide to all commissioners and providers of
microbiology services.
Effective microbiological services are a key requirement of quality in pathology.
They can be provided by a range of healthcare providers in a wide variety of
settings and it is therefore essential that patients needs are considered. Samples
should be taken as locally as possible, with ease of access and in a timely manner
to ensure early decision making regarding patient diagnosis, treatment and
monitoring.
Dr Ian Barnes
The NHS Operating Framework 2012/13 highlights five domains, of which National Clinical Director for Pathology,
Domains 4 and 5 are important for microbiology. Domain 4 requires all NHS Department of Health
organisations to actively seek out, respond positively to and improve services in
line with patient feedback, while Domain 5 focuses on reducing MRSA
bloodstream and clostridium difficile infections. The role of microbiology is
significant in achieving these national objectives.
Moreover, the QIPP challenge to improve services for patients is now in its second
year, and this document demonstrates how sites are rising to it. The pilot sites
have demonstrated the need to focus on and measure the whole end-to-end
patient pathway. They highlight the importance of user engagement, the impact
this can have on appropriate testing and the need for user education in correct Dr Peter Cowling
sample taking. Resultantly, the need for clinical and managerial leadership is Consultant Microbiologist
fundamental to achieving sustainable improvement and service change. National Pathology Programme Adviser in Microbiology
5

6. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[executive summary]
#2
In 2006 the Review of Pathology Services in England by Lord Carter, endorsed Lessons learned
Lean as the method of choice for improving processes in pathology services. Three important lessons have been learned in piloting and prototyping Lean
thinking in microbiology.
Working in partnership with the Department of Health (DH) Pathology
Programme, NHS Improvement has supported a number of microbiology teams, 1. Lack of a consistent standard and approach to end to end sample
including the eight acute Trusts in the former East Midlands SHA, to learn how pathways measurement
Lean methodology can enable the service to achieve improvements to support During the improvement programme, Dr Peter Cowling, National Advisor for
the QIPP, (quality, innovation, productivity and prevention) transformation Microbiology and Clinical Lead for the Path Links microbiology improvement team
programme. facilitated an important discussion with microbiology teams involved in the
improvement programme to bring about consensus and recommendations.
Multidisciplinary teams worked collaboratively to test and implement changes
that deliver improvements for patients, staff and users of the service. A review of current guidance including Royal College of Pathologists, Keel
Benchmarking, CPA and the Lord Carter Review of Pathology Services 2006/2008
Over 2 million patients will have benefited from the improvements in: identified a lack of consistent approach to measurement of the microbiology
specimen pathway.
Quality and safety
• Working with service users to achieve ‘right first time’ – addressing errors in Recommendation:
sample labelling and requests. A consensus was agreed which recommended that the microbiology specimen
pathway starts from the time the clinician considers the possibility of the diagnosis
Innovation until a result is available to them. Key measures across the pathway include:
• Using lean techniques to improve flow of samples, introducing technology to • Date and time the clinician produces the request form
reduce test turnaround times. • Date and time the specimen is taken (specimen collection)
• Date and time the specimen arrives in the requester’s local lab
Productivity • Date and time the specimen arrives in the processing lab
• Reducing inappropriate demand by ensuring users are educated to • Date and time the result is available to the clinical user.
perform the appropriate test correctly
• Matching capacity to demand and ensuring the appropriate use of staff skills 2. Process and wider system changes are required to support end to end
• Improving turnaround times (TATs) by removing waste from process flows to pathway measurement
provide results more quickly. Much of the pre-analytical phase is currently invisible to the laboratory and
pathology laboratory information systems (LIMS) and processes do not support
measurement of the end to end pathway. Teams have been required to resort to
lengthy manual data collection to demonstrate basic end to end specimen
pathways and this is often significantly incomplete.
6

7. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
Recommendation 2. Adopt small batch sizes
Pathology LIMS providers are commissioned/required to support the changing • Throughout the entire pathway - waiting to “fill” equipment causes samples
landscape to allow a patient focussed approach to information across the patient (and therefore patients) to wait.
pathway.
3. Keep specimens moving
Pathology teams should collect this data and encourage patients and users to • Daily, throughout the day, multiple deliveries from source of specimens
provide details of specimen timings. • Pull work through the lab
• Register specimens on receipt in small batch sizes – a focus on specimen
3. Face to face user engagement is essential to enable laboratories to processing as a priority may prevent results being issued in a timely fashion;
engage and educate users to ensure: move to processing in small batches to improve flow
• Appropriate testing to defined and agreed protocols (reducing over booking in may prevent results being issued in a timely fashion
inappropriate demand) • Continuous authorisation of results.
• A ‘right first time’ approach to high quality specimen request forms and
specimen labelling 4. Establish first in, first out
• Appropriate technique for collection and handling of samples. • No prioritisation of specimens unless absolutely necessary based on
clinical need
Recommendation • Today’s work today.
Microbiology works in partnership with users to provide visible access to agreed
protocols for tests and educate users. A right first time approach is encouraged 5. Appropriate testing
and endorsed by commissioners, clinical teams and users to ensure safety and • Work with users to design protocols and systems to support appropriate
efficiency. test requesting
• Develop acceptance policies that specify information and data quality
Key elements to bring about change requirements.
Learning from other improvement initiatives in pathology services have
confirmed the five key elements likely to bring about substantial improvements in This learning guide provides microbiology teams with the basic tools to make
the pathway are almost identical for Microbiology: changes to their processes, along with insight into how colleagues have used
these tools across the whole patient pathway.
1. Focus on the whole end to end pathway
• Ensure all staff in the pathway understand up and downstream processes and
how their own work impacts on others
• Use whole pathway data (from specimen request to result available) to
understand how specimens, forms and results flow and identify bottlenecks
and waiting.
7

8. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[introduction]
#3 The NHS Change Model
Pathology services are faced with increasing demand and pressure to
reduce costs whilst improving and maintaining clinical safety and quality.
Traditional cost cutting methods including staff reduction fail to deliver
the required savings because fewer staff are left with the same
processes.
A Lean management system delivers reductions in error rates, waiting times and
increases in productivity. Application by healthcare organisations across the
world has improved outcomes for patients and reduced the cost of care at the
same time.
NHS Improvement has worked with multiple teams across pathology disciplines
to evidence the value of Lean methodology.
Application of Lean tools enables improvement of isolated processes but the
impact of one off improvement efforts of this nature can be short lived. It is only
when clinical leadership and operational management changes sufficiently that
an organisational culture of continuous improvement can be achieved.
Jim Easton, National Director for Transformation for the NHS Commissioning
Board has recently launched the NHS Change Model.
The model brings together familiar elements of any successful change
programme and is designed to ensure the NHS can meet the challenge of the
pace and scale of change required to meet future financial constraints and
improvements in quality.
8

9. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
The key to the change model is not the individual • Our shared purpose: patient experience is at the heart of
components but ensuring all are addressed equally as what we do and drives change
part of any improvement effort. • Leadership for change: to create transformational change
• Engagement to mobilise: understanding, recognising and
“By doing that, we’ll valuing individuals’
• System drivers: e.g. QIPP, CQinns, NHS Operating Framework
• Transparent measurement: for improvement and patient
amplify and reinforce outcomes
• Rigorous delivery: project management, Plan, Do, Check, Act
our ability to drive (PDCA) cycles and measurement of benefits
• Improvement methodology: Lean, capacity and demand,
change. We’ll take the value and process mapping
• Spread of innovation: shared learning via multi-media
skills we’ve already got, techniques.
Our programme of improvement predates this model. However, we
and take them to the can demonstrate how NHS Improvement’s approach in supporting
clinical teams has addressed each of the eight elements of the model
next level in being able which should be at the centre of any improvement effort whether
localised to a single department or at national scale.
to make things Lean management is not simply an ‘Improvement methodology’ as
happen.” described in the change model. It addresses all areas and provides
teams with a checklist for continuous quality improvement.
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10. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[sites]
#4
Following the Report of the Second Phase of the Review of NHS Pathology The approach required local ownership and sustainability underpinned by the
Services in England (December 2008) and the Department of Health’s training of all members of the team in Lean methodology. The programme
Response to the Lord Carter Report (December 2008), the DH Pathology took a collaborative approach, facilitating teams to network and share best
Programme supported a three year programme of service improvement in practice at a series of sharing events.
partnership with NHS Improvement.
Clinical teams were encouraged to visit exemplar sites to observe Lean
In line with the recommendations of the review, the pathology service methodology as part of everyday working and understand how improvements
improvement programme has been established to demonstrate have been achieved.
improvements in efficiency, quality and safety across the end to end pathway
of care and demonstrate the impact of effective pathology services on the
wider healthcare system.
East Midlands SHA sites and leads:
This document shares learning from 10 sites across two dimensions: • Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Clinical Lead: Dr Mathew Diggle
Pilot and spread • Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Clinical Lead: Dr Farah Yazdani
Beginning in 2006, the Whiston microbiology team have been developing • University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
a Lean culture that has spread into other pathology disciplines Clinical Lead: Dr Andrew Swann
• Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust • Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
A histopathology pilot site for an NHS Improvement programme of work Clinical Lead: Dr Essam Rizkalla
2009/10, learning has spread to the microbiology team. • Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Lead: Andrea O’Connell
Prototype • North Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS
• East Midlands Strategic Health Authority (SHA) – Pathology Foundation Trust (Path Links)
Modernisation Programme Clinical Lead: Dr Peter Cowling
Working with microbiology teams across eight acute trusts to further • Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
evidence the value of Lean thinking. Lead: Trevor Taylor
• Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Improvement provided training in the use of Lean thinking to support Clinical Lead: Dr Shrikant Ambalkar
sites to redesign the way that services are delivered, aiming for clinical
excellence that is supported by process excellence to improve the users
experience.
10

11. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[leadershipimprovement ]
#5 for
Leadership is behaviour: Developing a lean culture
“ What we do as leaders is more Culture change takes time and requires leadership. A great many models and
theories exist to guide those wishing to develop their own leadership capability
important than what we say.” and approach.
Sir Nigel Crisp Key steps to influencing the creation of a lean culture include:
1. Find change agents
One element of the new NHS Change Model is Leadership for Change. The 2. Get Lean knowledge
narrative supporting this asks “Do all our leaders have the skills to create 3. Seize crisis
transformational change?” 4. Map the value stream
5. Remove waste
Lean is the term popularised by Womack and Jones to describe a management 6. Continuous improvement
system derived from the Toyota production system (TPS) that has been adapted 7. Sustain.
and successfully applied nationally and internationally to a wide variety of
industries including healthcare for over 20 years. A lean culture could be described as one where managers at every level go to the
workplace and coach their staff in Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) problem solving.
Why, when it seems so simple do lean initiatives often fail to sustain? A continuous process that is part of “the way we operate here”.
ThedaCare – a four hospital healthcare system in Wisconsin, USA - significantly Finding change agents
reduced errors, improved patient outcomes, raised staff morale and saved $27m Achieving a culture shift starts with a small team working collaboratively with their
in with no job losses. CEO John Toussaint MD said department colleagues and users to improve identified areas of the process.
“In the end the enemy of our improvement efforts was us. Leadership was Identify a credible and respected improvement lead to head up this team. Look for
treating each improvement initiative as time limited, a finite project conducted by a clinician or manager with the drive and enthusiasm to steer changes across the
a few members of staff or consultants. Improvements ended when a project was patient pathway.
over because nobody was in charge of sustaining change and measuring results.
Core team members should be drawn from across the entire pathway:
In order to change outcomes, leaders at ThedaCare needed to change” • Clinical colleagues who will actively commit to the improvement effort
• Laboratory representatives for each job grade
Continuous improvement can, and will, only occur if the people who actually do • Administrative/office staff representative
the work are actively engaged with and understand Lean and their leaders • User involvement – member of a patient group and a high volume user –
change. from primary care, ward or clinic.
11

12. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
Core team members must understand the process within their stage of the
pathway and: “Employee engagement is about
• be able to contribute ideas/information on the process
• be able to influence the decision making process translating employee potential into
• be prepared to test and implement changes across the pathway
• be committed to attend all team meetings, activities and work required employee performance and business
between meetings.
outcomes.”
Escalation planning
Melcrum
An executive sponsor is essential to provide proactive support and access to
relevant support services such as estates, transport, HR, finance and IT teams.
It is well established that change is difficult for most people. It is the
They may be called upon to escalate key issues. responsibility of leaders to listen and understand individual perspectives and
concerns creating an environment of open and honest communication.
Engagement of your staff How engaged are we?
An Engagement Surveying Tool has been developed and is available at
What is engagement? www.improvement.nhs.uk/improvementsystem to enable measurement and to
Another element of the new NHS Change model is engagement to mobilise. motivate leaders at all levels to take action on results to improve their own
The narrative asks “are we engaging and mobilising the right people?” leadership capability.
There is no single definition of engagement but themes of commitment, The 10 questions are based on the work of the Gallup organisation, Marcus
involvement, communication and energy are clear. Buckingham and Curt Coffman published in First, Break all the Rules.
“Employees who work with passion and
feel a profound connection to their
organisation. They drive innovation and
move the organisation forward.”
Meere
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13. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
Communication 1-2-1s
Speak privately with individuals where necessary to make it known that their
Establishing the framework for, and maintaining, good two way communication views and concerns are important. Ask their permission to raise their issues at
is critical to the success and sustainability of any improvement activity. daily huddles for further discussion.
Daily meetings - Huddles After a period of time (which will be different for each team depending on the
An important mechanism for engaging staff is huddling. starting point) use of suggestion boxes and boards should diminish as the daily
huddle becomes the focus for raising, discussing and resolving issues.
A huddle is a daily, short and snappy face to face gathering of a team, preferably
standing around a performance metrics display board, which addresses: Daily meetings can (and should) be a formal part of department operations and
minuted accordingly. The need for formal laboratory meetings will reduce and
1. Focus – on key goals and responsibilities for the day may be eliminated altogether.
2. Clarity – clear, relevant and timely information to help staff perform
their daily roles More supporting information is available at:
3. Commitment – listen and act on staff views, ideas and concerns and www.improvement.nhs.uk/improvementsystem
feedback progress of agreed actions.
When huddles are first introduced they may feel strange and uncomfortable for
some people. Participation is likely to come from the same small group of
individuals and so other mechanisms for eliciting input and views from the whole
team can be used to support efforts to create an environment where all are
comfortable to speak up.
Suggestions boxes and notice boards
Suggestion boxes and notice boards provide an outlet for staff to make
anonymous comments and raise niggles and suggestions. Share comments at the
daily huddles and provide either an instant response or agree a timescale for
investigation and feedback.
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14. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
Managing the Lean journey
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Summary A staff engagement survey was issued to which 76% of participation of all staff was a challenge. Initially, Band
Change is difficult for some people. Positive staff responded (73 from 96). Only 37% of staff felt 7s led the huddles in rotation but the meetings were not
encouragement and support for all - those who that their opinions seemed to count. Feedback also providing the two way communication expected from
embrace change and those who are fearful and resistant included criticism of the level of information being given them.
initially is vital. about process changes.
After some reflection, it was decided that all staff should
The Lean journey can be both difficult and challenging How the changes were implemented be given the opportunity to lead the daily meeting.
but with perseverance the outcomes are rewarding and Lean principles were new to most of the staff. NHS Some came forward and others found the idea of
beneficial to all. improvement provided teaching in the use of the tools speaking in front of their peers difficult. As time went
and techniques and the team began by gathering on more came forward.
Understanding the problem baseline data.
The bacteriology team chose to focus their early Once more staff from across all job roles began to lead
improvement efforts on the Urines process from receipt The core team had training days out of the laboratory the huddles the level of participation improved
in the laboratory to the authorisation of the negative and regular meetings were held to formulate action dramatically.
microscopy report. This is a high volume process that plans. Due to unfamiliarity with the new tools and the
would provide significant benefits in time and efficiency time required to gather manual data, the planning With the current state base line complete and feedback
to both patients and staff. stages took some considerable time. gathered via waste management sheets, improvement
opportunities were identified. Implementation then
The mix between Biomedical Assistant (BMA) and These two factors led to a degree of resentment proved to be equally difficult.
Biomedical Scientist (BMS) staff was approximately amongst the remainder of the team who were covering
equal. The great majority have been working in the busy periods without their core team colleagues. Added Some members of the wider laboratory team had
laboratory for a large number of years and were very to this was a lack of visibility of the work of the core formed the opinion that the changes were linked to
comfortable with current processes. team. individual agendas and as changes evolved on a
sometimes daily basis some colleagues found it difficult
A core team was selected to lead the improvement A perception also developed that only ideas of the core to keep up and became increasingly frustrated.
effort chosen from people who had expressed an team would be implemented.
interest in Lean methodology and representing all job One of the pivotal parts of the system required to make
roles in the laboratory. In addition to the core team taking time out, the the new process work (real time registration) was not
management team also introduced daily huddles which put in place until weeks after other changes had been
were initially viewed as a further absorption of time that made. This increased frustration and some became
could otherwise be spent processing samples. They quite angry as they could see no benefit from the
were introduced as a conduit for information but remainder of the changes made early on.
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15. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
A single Band 7 was taking the lead for the training “I think its much better - doing it in 10s Had changes been implemented more quickly,
required to explain the changes. Her efforts were colleagues may have become less suspicious and
means that you can do several things at
viewed by some long serving and very experienced resentful of the time out the core team members were
colleagues as overbearing and controlling when the once. I like it.” taking.
intention was simply to standardise the process.
BMA
The Band 7 taking the lead on the project felt they had
There were particular difficulties too for the BMAs who little support from their peer group which made things
had embraced the new system, not feeling able to show “The process is slicker and it works, provided very difficult. Remaining focussed, driven and dedicated
a Band 6 BMS the new method. we have enough staff and enough to Lean resulted in successful delivery of the
registration staff.” improvements.
Measurable improvements and impact
With the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle in the final BMS Key recommendations
stages of completion all colleagues had used and tested • Get senior staff and other key influencers on board
the new process. Most felt a positive benefit to the “The old system - we used to spend a lot of prior to undertaking the project
work flow and this has been evidenced in the process time on separating urines into four or five • Communicate with staff at all levels and at all times.
data. • Inform everyone prior to starting a project - give
different racks. With the new system in specifics - how long, the aim of the project, what
When the adequate number of staff are available the place it is a better system than before. ideas may already be formulated, explain how
stress levels seem to be reduced and there is a better There is less time for the results to go out changes may have to be made to fit in with the
sense of team work within the laboratory with the process
and there is less work for the staff."
integration of registration BMAs. • Encourage colleagues to have the confidence to train
BMA others who may be more experienced than them
Improvements in communication are evidenced in the • Ensure staff feel valued as part of a team
following quotes from colleagues: Key learning • Never give up!
Staff 'buy in' to Lean may be challenging and efforts to
“Its a lot smoother if there are enough support them through change is likely to be required Contact
Dawn Williams
people. There is less pressure on the BMS over a long period of time. Seeing improved data and
feeling the pace of work steady out will contribute to Email: dawn.williams@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
and there are less checking steps. Real time
mindset shift.
registration ensures that the results go out
quicker - which is what its all about.”
BMS
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16. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
Stop to fix - immediate leadership action
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Summary How the changes were implemented • A white board was installed to hold van delivery
Changes were made to specimen reception in two The Lean core team began by observing the process and information, duty medical staff telephone numbers
phases. The second phase introduced date/time measuring: and record messages regarding urgent samples
stamping of every sample without initially redesigning • The area was 5Sd with a number of items being
the process or the work area to accommodate the • Timing of deliveries along with the specimen volume moved to more appropriate areas and a trolley located
additional task. peaks and troughs to store required items under the bench to free up
• Number of specimens requiring more than one test – space
The entire reception team disengaged completely and either in microbiology alone or microbiology and • Data showing peaks and troughs in deliveries was
the process quickly deteriorated to a crisis situation. another pathology discipline made visible along with a schedule for visits to main
• Spaghetti mapping the movement of staff, samples specimen reception to collect samples.
Senior colleagues reacted quickly and worked alongside and request forms into, around and out of the area
reception staff to understand the process and agree the revealing multiple trips to an office area to access a Small changes like the installation of the bench top
necessary redesign. photocopier which required the removal of laboratory photocopier made an enormous difference to staff
coats and gloves each time. engagement eliciting the comment “Lean helps get
Understanding the problem things done that we have been asking for for years.”
A number of issues relating to specimen reception In the first phase of improvements:
required improvement to aid specimen flow • A bench top photocopier was purchased and installed In a later second phase of improvement, the specimen
in specimen reception reception staff were asked to add the date and time
• Lack of standard work – morning and afternoon staff • A standard layout was sketched out and posted on stamping of every sample form to enable the service to
arranged the work area in different ways the wall in the area for every staff member to review accurately monitor end to end process performance and
• Messages regarding urgent specimens were captured and critique demand over time to meet a CPA requirement. A
on scraps of paper and could be lost or overlooked. • After a reasonable period of time the agreed layout stamping machine was installed but the process and
was put into place – the bench was marked out with work area layout was not changed.
The majority of deliveries occur in the afternoon. tape. Boxes were labeled with the bench destination
Several staff were trying to help with the unpacking and and a clearly labeled ‘in’ tray was placed for porters This change received a very negative response with
sorting in a very small space. Samples were observed and service users to deposit samples in comments like “people are now avoiding reception as
literally flying around the room! • Additional sorting boxes were added for urines (GP it’s so difficult to work in there at peak times.” Staff
and hospital) and MRSA (screening and multiple members attributed this change to “Lean” and the
swabs) to front load the process and remove the situation quickly spiraled downwards to a crisis point
further sort being carried out at the benches where specimen turnaround times were being impacted
with work carrying over to the following day.
16

17. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
Senior colleagues reacted immediately by working Further improvement opportunities are being
alongside specimen reception colleagues over the period investigated to remove the need to split samples (and
of a few days to fully understand the process and therefore photocopy the form) but working with users
concerns by doing the work themselves and the second to supply two samples and forms where two tests are
phase of redesign was quickly agreed. required.
The work area was improved further to create two work Longer term improvement is required to create a large
cells for date/time stamping. enough specimen reception area.
Samples are handled one at a time, date/time stamped Contact
and then sorted to centralised sorting boxes which have Dr Mathew Diggle
been further improved with colour coded name labels Email: mathew.diggle@improvement.nhs.uk
for fast identification.
At busiest times one sample type is taken to a bench for
date / time stamping as there is currently insufficient
space to accommodate the volume – this will form the
next phase of improvement.
Measurable improvements and impact Samples are now received, date stamped and collected
Provision of a desktop photocopier has removed a 65 by staff from the various benches within a few minutes
metre journey and saved almost four minutes per case. of receipt.
Based on an average 60 journeys per week this equates
to 195 kilometres travelled and 196 hours per year that Staff engagement with Lean thinking has been restored.
is now used for value tasks.
How will this be sustained and what is the
potential for the future?
The largest deliveries arrive during the afternoon and
two people are unable to keep pace with the demand.
At these times work is taken to a bench where further
staff date stamp and sort samples.
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18. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
Creating an environment for improvement
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Summary
A number of factors contributed to the creation of an
open environment that enables staff to raise concerns,
ask questions and offer suggestions for improvements.
Understanding the problem
Whilst the core lean team’s attention was focused on
improving the Urines process one member of staff who
had attended a Lean Master class recognised that her
own personal approach to working at the MRSA bench
was different to her colleagues’ methods (although still
within the Standard Operating Procedure!).
She brought her work method to the attention of the
core team together with her assertion that it was more
efficient.
The team supported her to evidence the improvement
that her working method would deliver to engage
colleagues in new standard work.
How the changes were implemented
First steps in improvement were:
• Formation of a core Lean team – all job grades
represented by enthusiastic and positive team
members who worked collaboratively with the rest of
the laboratory team to identify opportunities for
improvement and test changes
• Introduction of daily huddles
• Creation of a communication centre where Lean
information, problems and work in progress were The team worked with their colleague who offered the They began with a timeline of activity to show the
shared MRSA improvement suggestion on evidencing the difference between the current process and the one piece
• Suggestions boards benefits of a change to others. flow that was suggested. They also used Process Sequence
• Lean drop in sessions. Charts (PSC) to capture the detailed process steps.
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19. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
The PSC revealed waste in the form of multiple checks,
waits and transportation as different parts of the process
were done separately and in large batches. Samples
were waiting for the whole batch to be completed
before moving to the next stage in the process.
The proposed alternative process reduced steps from 28
to 16 and increased efficiency by 20%.
Simple visual aids were created to aid training in the
new process as staff rotate around the laboratory. It
includes instructions for handling large volumes of
specimens at peak delivery times dividing tasks between
staff members to ensure flow is maintained.
Measurable improvements and impact How will this be sustained and what is the Contact
Handling samples in one piece flow rather than batching potential for the future? Dr Mathew Diggle
them into three steps removes 29 seconds of picking up, As improvement work has progressed staff engagement Email: mathew.diggle@improvement.nhs.uk
re-checking and putting down per sample. has increased to the point where the suggestions boards
and Lean drop ins have become redundant. Questions
With an annual workload of some 250,000 samples this and queries are raised on a daily basis either at huddles
equates to a time saving of 2014 hours or just over 250 or in 1-2-1 conversations where staff members seek out
working days. a Lean team member, consultant or manager to discuss
their idea.
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20. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
Huddles - stop to fix
Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Scunthorpe
Summary Huddles make daily resource planning possible and Key learning
Twice daily huddles improve laboratory operations and straightforward, reducing the administration time Communications are key to team performance and
reduce the time required for meetings. previously required to manage changes. Staffing and enable teams to manage more effectively particularly
workload data has become more visible and the team during times of pressure or major change.
Understanding the problem has been kept informed of actions being taken to
Formal team communication was previously conducted address problems relating to staff shortages. Daily face to face communications ensure information
through monthly meetings and sharing of the minutes. sharing is open, timely and useful.
Communication with staff occurs at a time pertinent to
Information was out of date by the time it reached staff the content of the information and there is no delay in Issues boards are a good place to begin simple team
and there was no interaction or feedback from staff. staff receiving news that is relevant to them and their problem solving activity but after time and with daily
work. The daily meetings are recorded on a proforma communications, problem solving becomes a part of
Staff rotas took hours to prepare and were constantly for staff to refer to if they have been on leave. daily work.
changed and re-issued.
The monthly formal meeting is now shorter and more Daily meetings reduce wasted administration time and
How the changes were implemented focussed and efficient. enable teams to plan daily work more effectively.
Initially the meetings were once daily at 9.10 am. Staff
posted issues on a board anonymously and the issues Measurable improvements and impact How will this be sustained and what is the
were discussed and allocated to someone to resolve. Having the twice daily meetings has enhanced potential for the future?
relationships and team working. The twice daily meetings are now part of the ethos of
As the late and on-call staff missed the morning the department.
meetings, the idea of holding a second meeting in the Problems are highlighted and dealt with more promptly.
afternoon was raised and introduced at 4pm. Other disciplines have noticed the daily routine and have
The time spent in the monthly laboratory meeting has started the same practice.
Initially staff were reluctant to join in. Over time, staff reduced by a third, as has the number of pages in the
became more confident, sharing issues and becoming minutes. Contact
involved in solutions. The meetings are led by the team Mark Cioni
managers and on occasion staff members take a lead Email: mark.cioni@nhs.net
role.
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21. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
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22. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
Engagement for successful change
Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - Scunthorpe
Summary • All staff participated in collecting base line data before • Defect reduction - antenatal specimens sent to wrong
• Early changes were not sustained the RIE including value stream maps, process sequence laboratory solved by education of users (30 specimen
• Lessons were learned and the whole laboratory team charts, spaghetti maps and defect data. reduction in staff processing time, transport and
engaged and involved in a week long improvement • During the RIE the team redesigned the majority of wasted specimens due to delay £4,700 PA)
event to redesign bench flow. benches. Enthusaism was such that one initially out • 25% improvement in space utilisation by new lab
of scope bench was included. layout and 5S
Understanding the problem • A ‘paper doll’ exercise was performed, with blank lab • 100% staff involved in improvement projects
Having evidenced the performance of the process with layouts and scale models of the equipment and • Enhanced staff communication and relations.
value stream mapping, process sequence charts and benches. All staff were invited to redesign the
defect data collection, the core Lean team implemented laboratory as they felt appropriate to support the best Time savings have enabled the laboratory to manage
a series of changes at the urines bench to standardise possible process workloads despite staff losses and 4.83 vacancies have
small batch flow. • A series of experiments were carried out to test ideas been removed as part of pathology reconfiguration.
and adjustments and changes to the original plans
The department was experiencing instability as a result were made and then implemented Key learning
of high staff turnover and absence. The changes • The IT department were involved to discuss IT Some staff within microbiology at Scunthorpe had
introduced failed to sustain. problems and identify solutions with the team. previously been given some rudimentary training on
some aspects of Lean, but follow up, sustainability and
It was decided to revisit the process along with others Measurable improvements and impact incorporation into the laboratory culture was never
during a week-long focus – a rapid improvement event • Changes to the date stamping process released 2.5 achieved.
(RIE) – covering the majority of benches and involving hours MLA time per day (valued at £6,920 pa)
the whole team on a daily basis. • Processing time saved due to introduction of flow The core Lean team had been struggling to make an
processes and a dedicated MLA in specimen sorting impact but after the RIE, performance, communciation
How the changes were implemented (2 wte MLA - £57,830 pa) and ideas from the team was massively improved.
• The laboratory had already taken steps to improve • Savings in staff time following resolution of IT
communication with the introduction of huddles – problems that hindered work flow (0.5 wte MLA 0.5 Visits to the histology laboratory in Lincoln were
first once and then twice daily wte BMS £34,250 pa) organised for staff to see for themselves and talk to
• A significant investment in staff development involved • Centralised management of telephone calls saving 2 their colleagues about how Lean was introduced there.
the whole team attending a Lean awareness training hours per day staff time (BMS and MLA £ 7,545 pa) The tools and techniques are now more relevant to the
day • Defect reduction through improved management of visiting microbiology staff and they have returned from
• The consultant microbiologist and laboratory manager negative urine reports - 90% reduction of over the visits with new ideas and enthusiasm to make
delivered lunchtime refresher sessions looking again at processing of negative urine specimens (100 further changes.
Lean tools and techniques in preparation for the RIE specimens/week, assumed cost 75p per test £3,750 pa)
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23. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
How will this be sustained and what is the
potential for the future?
All of the laboratory staff are now involved with
implementing improvements.
Staff are looking at the possibility of further
improvements in the future in sections of the laboratory
that were not part of the RIE.
Staff have ownership of the changes that have occurred
and have taken responsibility for maintaining them and
making further improvements.
Future work is planned with service users to reduce the
defects associated with lack of understanding of each
other’s needs.
The team plans to do a deeper study of one of the work
cells to understand takt time and flow. The learning
from this cell will be applied to all work cells.
Contact
Mark Cioni
Email: mark.cioni@nhs.net
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24. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
[voice of the customer]
#6
What do patients and users want from microbiology? A survey of patients in the East of England revealed that they want:
Working in the new commissioning landscape will require pathology
service providers to be responsive to user needs and to demonstrate and • Easy, accessible sampling
evidence the performance of their service in a meaningful way that is • No repeat tests regardless of the reason
focussed on the quality and value of the service they are offering. • Quick access to results by requesting clinician
• Information on how to provide samples
Dr Hemel Desai, GP and Clinical Lead for the Transforming Pathology Services • Direct access to results.
project, NHS East of England provided the East Midlands microbiology clinical
and managerial leaders with a clear insight into what is important to primary Domain 4 of The NHS Operating Framework for 2012/13 - ensuring that people
care users and commissioners. His research revealed expectations that make it have a positive experience of care - requires all NHS organisations to actively seek
clear microbiology services have a responsibility to users and patients that begins out, respond positively and improve services in line with patient feedback.
well before the sample arrives in the laboratory.
There are a number of established methods and groups available to assist with
Voice of the customer patient engagement:
When redesigning services to meet user needs microbiology departments are
recommended to consider the following feedback from GPs to Dr Desai: Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
All Trusts have a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). This service has been
• Treat us as customers – “can I telephone and get additional tests introduced to ensure that the NHS listens to patients, their relatives, carers and
and results easily?” friends, and answers their questions and resolves their concerns as quickly as
• We require the following: possible - www.pals.nhs.uk
• regular sample collection and delivery
• a hassle free requesting process – “I have seven and a half minutes per Patient Opinion website
patient to decide upon and request diagnostic tests” A website where patients can inform specific NHS organisations about their care
• timely results – with a recognition that there is often a wait for patients to allowing the organisations to provide a response - www.patientopinion.org.uk
action the next steps in their diagnosis by returning to the practice
• a high degree of confidence in getting results back. Consistency across
laboratory services is required because tests may be sent to multiple locations
• advice available both pre and post analytical, for example, how to collect
samples appropriately
• access to the correct containers; which one for which sample?
• quick and easy tests, for example, urine dip sticks are a good tool for
decision making.
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25. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
Engaging users to support improvement
There are currently significant practical challenges that prevent end to end
visibility of microbiology diagnostic testing not least the fact that many samples
are produced by patients, in their own homes, to their own preferred timescales.
Microbiology departments must engage with patients and users to enlist their
support in improving diagnostic pathways at the sample requesting stage. This
could involve:
• Supporting users to request the appropriate test for the patient
• Identifying the correct container
• Education and information to confirm how to complete simplified request
cards or mandatory fields in electronic requesting systems
• Providing date and time information – request and sample collection.
Visual management has been proven to influence considerable improvement in
the quality of requesting and the reduction of inappropriate testing.
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26. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
From laboratory to ward: engaging users as part of a
laboratory improvement project
Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust
Summary Value stream mapping suggested that sample defects The consultant microbiologist also wrote to all hospital
The change to a new primary urine container was an were a significant problem, and a specific defect audit consultants and GP users to introduce the change. An
opportunity to increase engagement with users. identified a total of 15% of incorrect containers had A4 visual aid was produced to explain how a urine
This included visits to wards and GP practices, a “launch been received in one week. These incorrect containers sample should be taken using the new containers, and
event” held in the hospital canteen, and creation of a pose a storage problem and potential to be misplaced as this was sent out with the letters.
visual aid designed to help users provide the correct they do not fit in either the storage or transport racks.
sample types. A more detailed A3 visual aid was designed for all
How the changes were implemented microbiology samples. This provides information for
Understanding the problem Introduction of a primary tube for collection of urine request form completion and taking specimens as well
The histopathology department at Whipps Cross had samples that could be used directly on analysers in both as specimen types, containers, storage and
previously been a pilot site working with NHS microbiology and biochemistry was suggested. The transportation of specimens together with contact
Improvement with successful outcomes. proposal was discussed and approved by the details of the laboratory. A laminated copy of this was
management groups of both departments. to be placed in every clinical area where specimen
The results from this project acted as the inspiration for containers were stored.
the microbiology department to start its own The microbiology improvement group recognised that
improvement programme. significant user engagement would be required prior to The productive ward team was approached to aid in
the introduction of the new tubes to prevent problems ward staff engagement, and following a formal
A microbiology improvement group was set up including during the changeover. It was also recognised as an meeting, a launch event for the new primary urine
MLA, BMS, managerial, and medical staff with the opportunity to engage with users more widely in order tubes was held in the hospital canteen area, including a
support of the histopathology project leads (the to understand what was important to them providing a member of the productive ward team (PWT). This was
laboratory manager and a consultant). This group steer on further improvement opportunities. held over lunch times for a period of four days, on the
decided that processing of urines would be a suitable week prior to introduction of the new tubes and
area to focus on as this was the largest volume sample Ward visits were carried out by the consultant enabled the microbiology team to meet as many staff
type received by the laboratory. microbiologist, the chief BMS, and an MLA. members as possible.
Appointments were made to speak to doctors, nurses
A sample pathway audit identified the three highest and midwives from these user groups to discuss current The press and communications department publicised
hospital users (antenatal clinic, A&E, and a surgical problems with urine samples, explain the advantages of the launch event through the trust email newsletter.
admissions ward) as well as three large GP practices. the new tubes, and to demonstrate the use of the new The event stand was manned by members of the
tubes. improvement group, including the consultant
microbiologist who encouraged junior doctors to
engage.
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27. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
There was support from the manufacturer during the Key learning
launch, which supplied pens and notepad incentives to • Communication with staff around the hospital has Visual management for taking
attract interest and had representatives present to help given rise to new relationships and has improved microbiology specimens
answer questions. knowledge and education amongst other departments
• The involvement of the PWT helping to organise the
The launch of the primary tubes and creation of the launch, as well as working with the Lean team to put
visual aids was also the subject of a medical grand together the visual aid and distributing this to the
round session conducted by the consultant wards was valuable
microbiologist. This talk included a discussion of the • The influence of the consultant microbiologist was an
importance of proper completion of request forms and added advantage in engaging with doctors
an example of a serious incident resulting from a poorly • The publicity through the email newsletter, the launch
completed form. in the canteen and the medical grand round session
all played a substantial part in the success of the
In order to accelerate the removal of old tubes visits introduction of the primary urine tubes
were made to retrieve old stock and replace with the • The unsuccessful idea was the proposal for a visual aid
new primary tubes. for the whole of pathology. Although an attempt was
made, after many meetings it was decided that
Measurable improvements and impact pathology visual aid would be impractical as it would
1. Minimising waste as a result of fewer samples being be too big and too chaotic. The microbiology visual
rejected (biochemistry rejected all samples sent in aid was created instead.
incorrect containers, meaning patients had to provide
a repeat specimen) How this improvement benefits patients • Work done in microbiology and histopathology has
2. Reducing the potential for errors due to the • Safety for patients has improved as there is no spread to central specimen reception, and the
elimination of a decanting step in the laboratory decanting and therefore no possibility of sample mix- microbiology team have worked together with
3. Reducing laboratory staff time due to removal of the ups reception staff to start data collection and implement
decanting step and eliminating problems with • No need for repeat samples due to use of worng improvements in this area
storage. container and the specimen being rejected by the lab. • A project to redesign the request form is underway to
help eliminate the issues that surround this area
The sample defect audit is being repeated to measure How will this be sustained and what is the • To implement Lean processes onto other benches
the improvement in incorrect container types received. A potential for the future? starting with the HVS bench.
deadline for accepting these containers has been set. • The microbiology team have continued to visit the
After this deadline all incorrect containers will be wards on a regular basis, speaking to nurses and Contact
rejected with the addition of a comment instructing healthcare assistants to reinforce messages about Dr Amit Amin, Consultant Microbiologist
users on specific containers for specific tests. sample collection and answer any questions they have Email: amit.amin@bartshealth.nhs.uk
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28. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
User engagement - ‘poducation’
St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Whiston Hospital
Summary A decision had to be made whether to stop the wards In addition, porters and ward staff do not break off from
Safe use of the hospital air tube to transport blood that had not yet been trained from sending blood their usual duties to bring these specimens down to
culture bottles to the laboratory has stopped batching cultures in this way or to accelerate the training to pathology:
and ensured samples are placed on the analyser in a include as many locations as quickly as possible. It was
timely manner improving the probability of isolating decided to do the latter as the take up from the • Increase from zero to 7,200 p.a. blood cultures
bacteria of significance in patients. additional locations was an extremely good indicator of arriving via the air tube
the success for users. • About 90% of blood culture samples now arrive via
Understanding the problem the air tube
The pathology department at Whiston Hospital A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) approached the • The time taken to deliver blood cultures by staff is
relocated to a corner of the new hospital site. This laboratory manager and suggested that the training approximately nine minutes, which equates to just
meant that ward staff and porters had to walk programme should be accelerated and volunteered to over 1,000 hours of walking removed per annum.
significantly further to deliver blood cultures. expand the training as soon as possilbe.
Key learning
This resulted in these samples being batched until In addition to the training, visual management was • The initiative was successful because pathology
somebody was going to the laboratory. This time delay produced and is displayed on every vacuum station in reacted to the needs and demands of the users.
between the samples being taken and being put onto response to user demand to employ the vacuum tube to Users themselves highlighted the need to accelerate
the blood culture analyser delayed positive results and ensure safe and correct practice. training for all departments and the department
treatment reacted promptly
Measurable improvements and impact • As the interface between users and the laboratory is
How the changes were implemented Blood culture samples are sent to the laboratory as they well developed, it was possible to deliver the training
The microbiology department planned to introduce are taken from the patient and are put on the analyser in a compressed time period to provide assurance to
sending blood cultures through the air tube system as a as they arrive in the laboratory. This improves the all involved of the safety of the glass bottle in the air
pilot with two high volume users. probability of isolating bacteria of significance in these tube
patients. • As pathology was relocating this was an issue that
Before there was an opportunity to evaluate the pilot it was perhaps overlooked due to the enormity of the
became apparent that it was successful from the user's move.
viewpoint as samples started arriving from sites that
were not included in the original pilot.
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29. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
How this improvement benefits patients
Safe use of the POD system for transport Patient samples are analysed in a timely manner to
of blood cultures identify bacteria of significance to ensure prompt
treatment of infections.
How will this be sustained and what is the
potential for the future?
The improvement has sustained itself as it saves staff
having to deliver a sample to the laboratory.
BLOOD CULTURES MUST BE PLACED IN THE
CORRECT CARRIER FOR TRANSPORT IN
Engagement with users is on going.
THE POD SYSTEM
Continued liason with users and assessing any changes
in requesting behaviour that indicates that a change in
laboratory practice may be appropriate.
Contact
Kevin McLachlan
Email: kevin.mclaclan@sthk.nhs.uk
Paul Hardiman
Email: paul.hardiman@sthk.nhs.uk
THIS IS THE CORRECT TRANSPORTATION
FOR BLOOD CULTURES
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30. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
CASE STUDY
GP engagement when introducing a new urine collection system
St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Whiston Hospital
Summary The primary care users were visited and key surgeries Benefits achieved include:
Laboratory staff visited GP surgeries to introduce visual took part in a pilot scheme for the introduction of a new • Health and safety improvements for staff as they no
management and provide training in the use of urine collection system. An earlier similar exercise had longer had to decant over 500 samples per day (no
algorithms for urine culture, leading to a reduction of not been sucessful as users were not involved and splashes or exposure to infections)
21% in inappropriate tests. assumptions were made about what was required by • Health and safety improvement for patients
them. • no repeats due to cross contamination of samples
Understanding the problem • sample number mix ups mitigated.
The improvement team found significant inappropriate The laboratory staff trained the surgery staff in the use
testing in the urines work stream which could be of an algorithim and discussed the benefits to Key learning
reduced to allow the department to release time to themselves, their patients and the laboratory. • Never make assumptions - go out and visit your users
concentrate on value added activities in the areas of - allow them the opportunity to ask you questions
national importance (MRSA and C.Difficile testing). A pilot study was run on several sites at the same time • Ask questions of your users so you can provide the
to introduce of a new sampling system for urine culture. service they require, and not one you think they
A data gathering exercise was completed before the require.
changes were made. This involved a multidisciplinary Measurable improvements and impact
team from across the department and identified: 21.5% reduction in urine requests. Things to do differently:
• 40% of urines tested were negative • Ensure staff are adequately trained in data
• Inappropriate requests for urinalysis
• Poorly labelled forms and sample bottles.
“The new urine tubes are easier, gathering and analysis.
. safer and reduce the risk of cross How this improvement benefits patients
How the changes were implemented Improved safety and quality as new urine tubes do not
From previous experience, it was clear that the infection.” require decanting reducing the opportunity for errors.
laboratory needed to engage with the users and not Patients were not directly involved at the pilot sites, but
make assumptions about what they wanted. Infection control link nurse they were asked for feedback on a questionnaire
completed at the end of the pilot study.
All participants in the pilot gave a favourable response
to the use of the new tubes.
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31. Service improvement in microbiology: why, what and how
Visual Management - Standard Work
How will this be sustained and what is the
potential for the future?
From previous experience, staff recognised the possible
failure of changes if users were not fully engaged and
on board with the improvements.
Contact
Kevin McLachlan
Email: kevin.mclaclan@sthk.nhs.uk
Beverley Duffy
Email: beverley.duffy@sthk.nhs.uk
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